Ordenskirche St. Georgen

The Ordenskirche St. Georgen stands in the Sankt Georgen suburb of Bayreuth. The suburb was founded in the late 17th century by George William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Construction of the church began in 1705, using stone from twenty quarries. By 1709 the outer structure was complete, though finishing work continued. The church was consecrated on 23 April 1711, the feast day of Saint George. The church’s first name, Sophienkirche, honours George William’s wife Sophia. It later became known as St. Georgen due to its connection with the Ordre de la Sincérité. This order, founded in 1705, later evolved into the Order of the Red Eagle. The building reflects the Margrave’s ambitions for his new suburb. Inside, the church retains its original layout with a central nave and side aisles. The pulpit and altar date from the early 18th century. Stained-glass windows and decorative plasterwork add to its historic character. The surrounding suburb, once a planned settlement, now blends into Bayreuth’s urban fabric. The church remains a quiet reminder of the town’s Baroque heritage.